(March
18, 2007) Tommy Tomlinson, Charlotte Observer columnist, has
reported that Byrum's General Store will be closing after operating
for 117 years in the Shopton community on Steele Creek Road. Up
Steele Creek Road, at the corner of Dixie River Road, a sign
announces the coming of a Bloom grocery store.

Joseph Rufus Hayes
built the brick building in about 1890. The Byrum family bought the
store soon after Mr. Hayes' death in 1914. Robby Byrum owns the
store today. Robby lives in the two-story yellow house on the corner
of Steele Creek Road and Dixie River Road. This house was built by
William Grier in 1828. His mother, Agnes Byrum, lives in the house
next to the store. All of these are on the land that's being sold
for a new shopping center.

Originally a general
store, the business evolved over time. Its current stock is mostly
fishing gear, but a big lunchtime crowd comes in for barbecue and
hot dogs.

Use the following
links to read Tommy Tomlinson's story and see a video: